Conbility: Mass production of composite tape laminates
RWTH Aachen spin-off scales up production for low-cost, in-situ consolidated composites as inserts for lighter, cheaper injection-molded parts.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Editor, CompositesWorld
Siemens delivers AI-powered CAD sketching technology
The NX Sketch software tool offers flexibility and eliminates upfront constraints in a 3D CAD environment.
High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers
At Spirit AeroSystem’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, a glimpse of the future of aerocomposites manufacturing in a resin transfer molding line for A320 spoilers.
Digital thread vs. digital twin
This is an online sidebar for the July 2020 article, “Composites 4.0: Digital transformation, adaptive production, new paradigms”. When I first discussed these concepts in 2016, they were still somewhat nascent in composites.
Altair releases major software update to expand user solutions
The update enables accelerated innovation and targets design simulation and data analytics.
Composites 4.0: Architecture and ontology
Adaptive systems, IoT platforms and apps, the need for 4.0 standardization and a new way to develop and certify composite aerostructures.
No business case for reteaching robots
DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology has developed an AI-equipped work cell where collaborative robots can switch from producing composite rear pressure bulkheads to fuselage panels without requiring reprogramming or retraining.
Swinburne University and CSIRO's Industry 4.0 Testlab for Composite Additive Manufacturing
Australia and Germany collaborate to build Composites 4.0 production line for competitive advantage in next-gen manufacturing and workforce.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Editor, CompositesWorld
ZAero project update
The 2019 final review demonstrated integration of an automated CFRP process chain: AFP inline inspection and rework, cure and resin flow sensors, part performance prediction and a decision support tool for line operators.
Hexagon’s e-Xstream engineering presents improved Digimat software
The multi-scale material modeling software enables more comprehensive advanced composite design capabilities.
Composites 4.0: Where to start?
Sensors, IoT platforms, data analytics — the tools for more intelligent, efficient manufacturing abound, but where to start is actually much simpler.
Composites 4.0: Digital transformation, adaptive production, new paradigms
An evolving landscape of automation, sensors and AI software is not an end, but a means to achieve the cost, quality, efficiency and agility required for future manufacturing.
Siemens unveils Teamcenter X software
Its product lifecycle management solution enables more efficiency, collaboration and streamlining for product development.
The untapped potential in Formula 1 composite manufacture
Formula 1’s midfield teams are struggling to bridge the gap to their better resourced frontrunning counterparts. Could Industry 4.0 composites manufacturing automation level the playing field?
Thinking machines
Algorithm-based artificial intelligence, once only imagined, is here. It can do a lot of good.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Broetje-Automation presents automated sealer for aircraft components.
The automated, modular system enables clean, safe and speedy production for all aircraft component sealing.
Vertical Aerospace used Plyable to go from CAD to first flight in less than 90 days
Composite tooling specialist’s online portal, distributed manufacturing network and automated tool design helped optimize CFRP molding tools and timeline.
Changing composites paradigms in the wake of COVID-19
Efforts to locally and globally collaborate in order to address industry issues and stimulate innovation are becoming essential conversations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Plant tour: Hexcel, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
The scale, precision, speed and quality of carbon fiber manufacture has evolved substantially since the material’s modern introduction in the late 1960s. Hexcel offers a glimpse of the state of the art today.
Boeing announces first unmanned Loyal Wingman defense aircraft
The first of three prototypes, the Loyal Wingman’s artificial intelligence application and its use of composites soars above the milestone set for unmanned aircraft.
CETMA: composites R&D and innovation in Italy
From design and simulation to inline inspection, induction welding, continuous compression molding and recycled carbon fiber, this lab to support industry is advancing composites in aerospace, automotive, construction and more.
Plataine releases production scheduler version 4.0
The AI-based technology integrates production scheduling with shop floor management for a more efficient manufacturing process.
Grace Nehls
Assistant Editor, CompositesWorld
Plataine joins the National Composites Centre
Plataine will be able to access the NCC’s facilities to implement its Industrial IoT, AI-based solutions, creating a test environment for the factory of the future.
Kanfit coping with COVID-19 and managing growth using Composites 4.0 systems
Bluetooth sensors and AI track parts and tools, save time and suggest production line improvements.
STELIA North America optimizes processes with Plataine IIoT solution
The company plans to digitize and optimize aerospace composite manufacturing operations.
Plataine selected to partner in 5G-based advanced manufacturing project
5G-ENCODE project partners are examining industrial use of 5G wireless technology to upgrade composite design and production processes.
Artemis Technologies and Creative Composites partner on eFoiler to cut drag on fast vessels by 90%
Composites-intensive electric propulsion system will make marine travel at high-speed and long-range commercially viable and help meet U.K.’s 2025 zero-emissions requirements.
Proving out LM PAEK welding for Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator
Clean Sky 2 STUNNING project will manufacture lower thermoplastic fuselage while MECATESTERS will test Toray LM PAEK in conduction and induction welding for parameters, cyclic loading, aging and environmental effects .